The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday it is accepting comments on a proposed revision to the consent order requiring Hawaii County to close five decades-old gang cesspools in Pahala and Naalehu.
According to an EPA statement, the proposed revision will require the county to evaluate multiple wastewater treatment options to replace the cesspools.
In June 2017, EPA and the county entered into the order that required closure of the plantation-era cesspools – which are illegal under federal law. However, after missing a deadline that led to a $28,500 fine late last year, the county realized the previously proposed wastewater treatment plants had technical challenges and that the communities had significant concerns.
“The County of Hawaii is required to shut down the (cesspools) serving the Pahala and Naalehu communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Beyond these cesspool closures, EPA is working closely with the county to support both short-term and long-term wastewater planning. Providing appropriate wastewater treatment for Pahala and Naalehu is just one part of how the county will meet critical wastewater infrastructure needs for the protection of human health and water resources on the Big Island.”
EPA is now proposing to revise the existing order to allow the county additional time to solicit public input and evaluate the feasibility of wastewater treatment options that would protect surface water and underground sources of drinking water.
Based on the initial feasibility scoping, the county will be required to conduct an environmental review, solicit feedback from the public about wastewater treatment options, and select a preferred option.
The proposed revision to the order will require the county to close the two gang cesspools serving Pahala by July 21, 2026, and the three gang cesspools serving Naalehu by Dec. 31, 2027.
The county also will be required to hold twice-yearly community meetings and maintain a Pahala and Naaehu LCC Cesspool Closure Projects webpage.
Public comments about the proposed revision to the order will be accepted until Aug. 20. To comment, visit https://bit.ly/3IXHjbo.